Bristol

Eco-friendly travel guide to Bristol advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Bristol, England, United Kingdom.

Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Observatory in Bristol, England

Air quality: 3 / 5

Exploring by foot: 5/ 5

Exploring by bicycle: 4.5/ 5

Public transportation: 2 / 5

Parks: 5 / 5

Outdoor activities: 4 / 5

Locals' English level: 5 / 5

Safety: 3.5/ 5

Accommodation: US$18.35- $195

Budget per day: US$42 - $181

Responsible Travel

Bristol is a city in southwestern England with a rich maritime history. Here are some quick tips for traveling responsibly in the city of Bristol.

Being a tourist in today's world comes with its own set of responsibilities and obligations. The change climate of the planet urges us to be more responsible and take accountability for our actions and also study the impact we have on the environment. One must travel in an eco friendly way and ensure that the local citizens or the natural surroundings are not affected. These are some of the most crucial tips that vacationers must follow to travel responsibly.

Choosing the right transport method: A major part of your travel experience includes discovering every nook and cranny of the country. While you will have transport options like private cars and taxis at your disposal you need to know that not only do they contribute to more congestion and traffic pollution but also emit harmful gases into the environment. So, choose options like walking, cycling, electronic and public transportation in general.
Trying local food: A huge part of the local culture is the traditional food that is offered at the local traditional restaurants and by street food vendors. Instead of just sticking to international fast food franchises that contribute to so much waste being produced in the world, you should try the local options. Not only will it help the local economy but also will directly help the families whose sole source of earning are these small food businesses.
Do not throw waste: As an eco-friendly traveler, you need to promote sustainable living as much as possible in the country to motivate not only fellow tourists but local people. When you visit any tourists attractions especially country parks, make sure you do not throw any food wrapper and do not just stop at that but if you see any trash, pick it up and throw it in the dustbin. It might look like a very small thing to do but has a huge impact on people watching especially the children present in the park since they learn and mimic the behaviour of other people around them.
Choose a green hotel: Plenty of accommodations are available in the country that provide you with a top-notch experience but instead of choosing them, you can pick green hotels for your stay. They use eco-friendly measures to reduce the pollution and waste of the country. This is one of the great ways to contribute towards the country to keep it safe and clean.
Shop local: In order to support local craftsmen and artisans always shop local. During your trip to the country, you will come across small shops and food stalls in almost every lane of the country. If you want to have an unforgettable experience in the country, then buy goods and handicrafts from these shops. This will not only help you to save a lot of money but you will be supporting a lot of local people who are dependent on their small businesses to earn a livelihood.

Air Quality and Pollution

The air quality score of Bristol is 56.25. The air pollution index is neither too high nor too low but confirms moderate air pollution in Bristol. The Bristol government has taken various initiatives to make the city the European Green Capital. Among its various projects, the most significant one is the Hydrogenesis passenger ferry powered by hydrogen fuel. It has been running since 2013. There are many electric cars and bikes available for ridesharing in the city. The city was awarded the designation of the green capital of the UK in 2015. But, still, Bristol has miles to go to achieve pollution-free air. The score for water pollution is meager, and drinking water quality is high. The garbage disposal system is moderately satisfactory. But the city is slightly cluttered despite its elaborate system of waste segregation and disposal. Moderate light and sound pollution are present.

Respect the Culture

The city has a distinct West Country dialect. Bristolians speak a distinctive dialect of English popularly known as the rhotic dialect, which is very different from other accents in Britain. The dialect spoken here has several unusual features unique to Bristol. For instance, you will observe Bristolians appending an L sound to words ending in the letter a. So, do not be surprised if one of the locals in a conversation uses 'areal' instead of area. Interestingly, even the name of the city evolved similarly. The Anglo-Saxon "Brycgstow" transformed into modern Bristol. Language is an integral part of a city's culture. So make sure you are respectful towards the Bristolians' local dialect. Also, try to learn some small lines in their dialect and use them to initiate a conversation.

Bristol is an important center of arts and sports. Bristol is represented by professional teams in almost all the major national sports. Bristol City and Bristol Rovers are the leading football clubs. Other famous football clubs are Bristol Bears (rugby union) and Gloucestershire County Cricket Club. It has many non-league clubs and athletic clubs too. The popular UK hot-air ballooning event, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, is held each summer at Ashton Court. So, if you visit Bristol during the summers, make sure you do not miss this event. Stroll through the pedestrian streets covered in art. Visit the local museums and explore the century-old artifacts. Experience and enjoy Bristol's music scene in local operas and cultural shows. Explore the exclusive art galleries and immerse yourselves in the contemporary and historical artworks. But most importantly, show respect to their rich heritage and culture and try to enjoy every bit of the local customs and eating habits.

Buy from local vendors, artisans, and food stalls to experience the city's culture's totality.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Bristol is jam-packed with historical monuments, museums, art galleries, churches, scenic parks, natural reserves, and many more. Have a glance at this list of the top places to visit while you are here.

The old Port of Bristol on the Avon River: It is traditionally known as the Floating Harbour. It is a beautiful location housing numerous museums and galleries, attractions like We The Curious science center, the Bristol Aquarium, the Arnolfini visual arts, music, and performance center. Bristol Ferry Boats operates five ferries on the Avon River. Go, grab a pass, and ferry your way to some of the major attractions in the city.

St. Mary Redcliffe: Located on the southern side of Floating Harbour, is a parish church dating back to the the13th century. It is exclusively built in the Baroque style. The church is carefully architected with a hexagonal porch, decorative doorway, and clustered pillars.

Bristol Cathedral: It was initially founded as the shrine of Saint Augustine Abbey in 1140 and was elevated to cathedral status in 1542. It is formally called the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity. Characterized by Gothic windows, rectangular chapter house, late Norman decoration, and twin towers, Bristol Cathedral took hundreds of years to evolve to its present form.

SS Great Britain: It is a former passenger steamship quite advanced for its time. During the time of its launch in 1843, it was the largest passenger ship afloat. The ingeniousIsambard Kingdom Brunel designed it for the Great Western Steamship Company's transatlantic service between New York City and Bristol. SS Great Britain, now a museum ship, demonstrates the inventiveness of the Victorian era. After the epic salvage effort in 1970, the vessel was towed back to Bristol and underwent renovation. In 2005, SS Great Britain was relaunched as a maritime museum.

The famous Llandoger Trow building: Located in King Street was built in 1664 and restored in 1991. It is situated near the old city center docks between Welsh Back and Queen Charlotte Street. The building is connected to the theatre royal via an underpass. It goes that Daniel Defoe met his inspiration for Robinson Crusoe, Alexander Selkirk here. It is also said that Robert Louis Stevenson drew his inspiration for the Admiral Benbow Inn in Treasure Island from Llandoger Trow. Previously a Berni Inn, the building now belongs to Whitbread.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge: It is a spectacular work of the famous British engineer I. K. Brunel. The bridge spans the 260-foot-deep Avon Gorge and measures 702 feet between its piers. It was completed 33 years after Brunel had first submitted his plan in 1864.

There are a lot of things you can do on your trip to Clifton Suspension Bridge. Like you can venture further afield to discover the rich wildflower meadows of the Avon Gorge or look out for Peregrine Falcons from the peregrine watchpoint. You can watch the Avon River rise and fall or go hiking on the Avon trail.

Bristol Old City: While in Bristol, do not forget to visit the warren of historic buildings, Bristol Old City. Some of the major attractions here are St. Stephen's Church, St. John on the Wall, St. John's Gate, and Christmas Steps. You can also visit the neoclassical Old Council House and the Palladian-style Exchange. St. Nicholas Market, comprising more than 60 stalls, is held here at St. Nicholas Street. A weekly Farmers Market is also held on Corn and Wine Streets.

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery: Bristol Museum and Art Gallery located on Queens road are filled with oriental art, Egyptian mummies, gemstones, glass, pottery, a collection of Old Masters, and an entire section devoted to I. K. Brunel and his technical achievements.

Blaise Castle House: Blaise Castle House, a part of the Blaise Castle Estate, is the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery branch since 1949. It features an exclusive collection of historic domestic-equipments and ancient interior decoration items. This 18th-century mansion provides you an insight into the lifestyle of the prosperous families on a country estate. The Picture Room is known for its vast collections of children's toys like trains, soldiers, and doll-houses. You can also find the ruins of Kings Weston Roman Villa in the estate.

Cheddar Gorge: The spectacular Cheddar Gorge, located just 18 miles from the city, is very popular amongst the visitors for day trips. Cheddar Gorge is a limestone gorge with 450-foot cliffs situated in the Mendip Hills. The valley is home to the beautiful Cheddar show caves that house the remains from the Upper Late Palaeolithic era (12,000–13,000 years old) and Britain's oldest complete human skeleton, Cheddar Man(around 9000 years old). Another specialty of this place is that an underground river's activity produces the caves here. In 2005, Cheddar Gorge was named the second greatest natural wonder in Britain.

Panorama image of the St Mary Redcliffe church exterior

Explore

From city parks, national parks, beaches, caverns, and gorges to art galleries, museums, and other landmarks, there are a lot of places that you can explore in Bristol.

City Parks

Bristol is popularly known as the city in the countryside. There are over 400 gardens and parks in Bristol. This kind of justifies why Bristol was nominated as European Green Capital City in 2015.

Popular city parks in the Bristol City Centre include Queen Square, Castle Park, Brandon Hill, and Clifton Downs. These parks also host some of the biggest festivals in the city due to their large accommodation capacity. You can visit another city park is Bristol Zoo Gardens, home to over 400 species of exotic and endangered animals from across the globe. Do not forget to visit the University of Bristol Botanical Gardens as it is rich in botanical diversity. There are many lush green and spacious parks in the city that you can explore. Bristol Parkhive is a free app that lists Bristol's city parks and green spaces that you can use to your aid.

Castle Park in Bristol

National Parks

Some National parks located near Bristol are the Exmoor National Park and The Brecon Beacons National Park. Exmoor National Park is located at a distance of 86 km from Bristol, the road distance being 132 km. A quick way to get from Bristol to Exmoor National Park is to drive. It takes 1 hour 45 minutes to reach the park by car and 2 hours, 41 minutes by train or bus. The distance between Brecon Beacons National park and Bristol is 75 km. The road distance between both places is just 101.3 km. One of the best ways to get from Bristol to the Brecon Beacons is to drive. It takes 1 hour 32 minutes to reach the park by car and 3 hours, 23 minutes by train.

Exmoor National Park

Beaches

Within an hour's drive from Bristol, some scenic beaches are Clevedon Beach that runs south-west from the old Victorian seaside resort of ClevedonKids and Ogmore beach in the Vale of Glamorgan. You can visit other nearby beaches like Uphill Slipway beach in Uphill, Wales' Southerndown beach, Brean beach running to Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset, and Berrow beach further along from Brean. Enjoy walking along the glistening water on warm Sand, make sandcastles, and sit back and enjoy a lovely sunset. Some of these beaches are popular spots for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and beach sports.

Landmarks

Some important landmarks in the city are listed below.

Harbourside: The floating harbor is like a jewel in Bristol's crown. It houses attractions like Brunel's SS Great Britain, We The Curious, Bristol Aquarium, M Shed Museum, Arnolfini Gallery, Pero's Bridge, and The Matthew.

Old City: The Old City of Bristol is located within walking distance from the shopping district of Broadmead. Some attractions in the old city are St. Nicholas Market, The Llandoger Trow, King Street, Castle Park, and St Peter's Church.

West End: Some popular tourist spots in the West End of Bristol are Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Georgian House, and Red Lodge.

Clifton: Clifton is an old up-market suburb containing several places of interest like Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton Suspension Bridge, Clifton Downs and Observatory, and Clifton Lido.

Eastside: Bristol's Eastside is a multicultural center in the city and features neighborhoods with independent retailers like Bristol Sweet Mart and Stokes Croft.

Avonmouth: Avonmouth, previously a small village on Bristol's outskirts, is now focused on importing fruit, vegetables, coal, animal feeds, grain, and cars.

Museums

Bristol is well known for its rich history, art and culture. Many famous museums in Bristol preserve the city's heritage. Brunel's SS Great Britain museum will transport you back to the Victorian times through its huge six galleries, setting out some 150 of Brunel's artifacts. M Shed is a social history museum preserving over 2000 years of Bristol's history, industrial heritage, engineering history, and more than 150 restored and digitized films. It gives you an insight into Bristol'srole in the transatlantic slave trade and the city's war-time experiences.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery: It is a magnificent space that showcases antiquities, fossils, a Romany caravan, and artwork by local artist Banksy. The Royal West of England Academy is Bristol's finest art galleries and the only regional Royal Academy of Art in England. Its magnificently lit art galleries celebrate the best of contemporary British art by artists like Turner, Constable, Fedden, and Nash. It also hosts one of the largest Open Submission exhibitions in the UK.

We The Curious: Situated in the heart of Bristol's Harbourside area is the country's first digital 3D planetarium. Aerospace Bristol tells incredible tales of Bristol's aviation achievements. Its main attraction is Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the world's fastest passenger jet.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Eat

Bristol is a fantastic place to eat. From street food to fancy dining places, Bristol has a lot to offer to anyone willing to explore. Visit Casamia on the Harbourside to experience the local food culture. Head to Clifton for the traditional British delicacies and savory seafood. Grab some middle eastern and Asian dishes at St Mark's Road. If you love Caribbean food, you can go to St. Paul's. It is jam-packed with cafes serving dreamy gelato and soft serve with sprinkles. Bristol has a rich taste when it comes to chocolates. Even the world's first chocolate bar was produced in Bristol! From traditional local restaurants, vegan dine-in places, and ice cream parlors to colorful street food stalls, you have a lot to explore.

Traditional Local Restaurants

Eat your fill at some traditional local restaurants in Bristol. Check out these dine-in places.

The Ox: The Ox serves the best steak in Bristol. Enjoy the tender beef cooked to perfection at the award-winning steak restaurant. An early bird offer at the restaurant would cost you just £15 for steak, chips, and a glass of wine. It also has a bar where you can enjoy pre-dinner drinks.

The Clifton Sausage: The Clifton Sausage is the best place in Bristol to have the classic British meal of sausages, mashed potato, and gravy. This local favorite is located in the heart of Clifton Village. Enjoy the traditional and classic British dishes in a warm ambiance. Do not forget to order sticky toffee pudding and chocolate fondant for dessert.

Fishers: Located in Clifton, this restaurant serves the freshest seafood from the British Isles with a touch of seasonal ingredients. From Cornwall's lobsters to Scotland's salmons, you get fabulous varieties to pick. Every month Fishers serves new dishes with a fresh twist. Shellfish Platter is a menu staple and is available all year-round.

Pieminister: Pieminister is a Bristol family-owned restaurant set amidst harbourside views and Broad Quay fountains famous for making award-winning pies since 2003. It is located opposite the Hippodrome and is a short walk from the Old Vic. You get to taste plenty of pie varieties made with artisan cheese and free-range British meat. Vegan and gluten-free pies are also available. Order your favorite pie with sides, salads, ales, hot pots, cocktails, local beers, ciders, and tasty puddings.

Vegetarian and Vegan

If you are a vegetarian, then these restaurants are the perfect dine-in spot for you.

Purezza Bristol: Purezza was the first vegan pizzeria in the UK at the time of its opening. It provides vegan alternatives to many traditional non-veg dishes. This restaurant is also known for developing a tastier and healthier alternative to conventional mozzarella cheese from Italian brown rice. Cheeses made at Purezza are made from innovative ingredients and are a must-have. Try their raw cashew cheese, ricotta style cheese, creamy coconut cheese. The restaurant is also famous for serving an exclusive range of sourdough pizzas made out of type2 flour and hemp flour, which are healthier than the double zero flour used by pizzerias worldwide. All their food is animal-free. You can also order gluten-free and dairy-free options. Apart from this, they serve savory oreo pizzas, tiramisu, craft beers, cocktails, and wines.

Flow: Another popular vegan restaurant in Bristol that is a perfect place for dining in. Its menu frequently changes according to the season and serves food made from local producers' freshest ingredients. Along with dishes like Chargrilled Pickles, pizza popcorn, pickled kohlrabi, tahini, slow-cooked chard, charred sweetcorn Chive dumplings, whipped goat's cheese, and honeycomb Cacao nib cake, they also serve biodynamic wines, local beers, ciders, cocktails, and seasonally changing spirits.

Koocha Mezze Bar: This vegan restaurant serves finger-licking animal-free cuisine. Locals love it for its vegan kebabs. You can also have soya and sesame falafels, sweet potato samosa, spiced greens, hot stews, seasoned salads, and many more. You can also relish cocktails & mocktails inspired by the Middle East, signature Gin & Tonics, wine, beers & ciders.

Street Food

Bristol has a colorful food scene. The street food tour is probably the best way to discover the authentic taste buds of Bristol. Here are some hotspots that you should not miss while going on a food tour in the city.

St Nicholas Market: The historic St Nicholas Market, located in the city's center, is the local food hub. Kickstart your day with sizzling, spicy Szechuan noodles from Chilli Daddy, soft and tender Japanese dumplings from Eatchu, delicious pies from Pieminister, or yummy falafel from Eat a Pitta. The market is packed with cafes, roadside restaurants, bakeries, stalls selling Portuguese stew, Persian wraps, Italian pasta, and Indian curry dishes. Savory cakes from Ahh Toots or Source Food Hall are a must-try.

Harbourside Market: You can also find local food stalls at the Harbourside Market, where you can enjoy Bristol's regional specialties with live music and light chit chat. Street Food Thursdays are organized here every Thursday from 12 PM-3 PM. Many people gather here to taste the best of Bristol's street food and satiate their hunger pangs.

Finzels Reach: Finzels Reach Market is a weekly street food market located in Old Temple Street. Street Food sellers from the city gather here to sell fresh gourmet pies, wood-fired pizza, wraps, brownies, curries, and falafel. Office workers and visitors often drop in here to grab a quick lunch.

Drink

Enjoy the locally produced cider and beer on a boat and enjoy the city's nightlife at Welsh Back. Bristol has a rich cocktail culture, and you get a lot of new and crazy beverages to enjoy. Try Hyde & Co and The Rummer for some eye-popping collections. Sit back and relish some of the finest gelato, coffee, and hot chocolate in Bristol.

Tap-water

The water pollution level is low in Bristol. The index for drinking water accessibility and quality is high. The tap water in Bristol is generally safe to drink.

Organic Cafés

Stop by some organic cafes amidst sightseeing and shopping expeditions for a quick coffee and sides.

Mud Dock Cycleworks and Cafe: This cafe is the best place to enjoy a coffee break with the Floating Harbor and ferry boats' scenic view. It is a popular hang-out location that serves delicious coffee with fresh and seasonal dishes like salads, burgers, and steaks throughout the day. You can also order vegan or gluten-free options. Local beer and cocktails are also available.

Watershed Cafe Bar: This café serves fresh organic dishes curated out of seasonal ingredients and local produce. Grab a coffee with seasonal sides. All their words are sustainably created.

Ashton Gate Coffee Shop: This Coffee Shop serves light dishes like bacon sandwiches, oat porridge, scrambled/ poached/fried eggs, butternut squash, and salads. You can also order coffee, tea, hot chocolate, smoothies, or soft drinks to gulp down your food.

Breweries

Explore the local Bristol vineyards, visit the local breweries, and taste some of Bristol's seasonal hits. Some popular local breweries that you can see are listed below.

New Bristol Brewery
Bristol Beer Factory
Wiper and True Brewery & Takeaway Beer Kiosk
Good Chemistry Brewing
Lost And Grounded Brewers
Arbor Ales
Croft Ales
Tapestry Brewery
Bristol Beer Factory Tap Room
Fierce & Noble
Hare Brewery Visitors Centre
Bristol Brewery Tours
Left Handed Giant Brewpub
Three Engineers Brewery
Hop Union Brewery

Activities

Explore the historical monuments and landmarks of the city. Try the local restaurants, food stalls, and cafes. Spend a day or two at campsites and relish the scenic beauty of Bristol. You can indulge in walking tours, food tours, ferrying, rock climbing, hiking, beach sports, and a lot more.

Ferrying : There are ferry stops all around Bristol. Board a ferry and explore the scenic floating harbor, riverside tea gardens, and other harbourside attractions.

Walking tours: The pirate walk is a one-hour guided tour of the city's Harbourside. Do not miss this walking tour and explore the city's maritime history and beauty on the go. The ticket for the same cost around £6.00 for adults and £3.50.for children.

Bristol Jump: Bristol Jump features an exciting adventure playframe that includes a galleon, an enchanted castle, and a space zone. The largest indoor soft play center in England is located at the height of 22,000 sq feet. You can find ten-pin bowling, giant inflatables, a large indoor football pitch, a special zone for toddlers, themed party rooms, and a café here. Do explore Bristol jump while you are here.

Climbing at Undercover Rock: It is a climbing center, with a lot of climbing walls of different difficulty levels. If you do not know the a,b,c of climbing, this is the perfect place to start.

Hiking at Leigh Woods: All you need to cross the Suspension Bridge, turn right at Ashton Court Gate, and continue 800 inside to reach the visitor center signpost. It makes for a perfect spot for hiking and unwinding your pent-up energy. Explore its natural reserves, biking circuits, woods, and deep gorge overlooking the River Avon.

Yoga and Retreats

Yoga relaxes your body, rejuvenates your mind, and opens up your connection to your soul. There are many yoga studios in Bristol like Bristol Yoga Centre, Bristol YogaSpace, Yogafurie Hot Yoga and Yoga, and Wild Wolf's Yoga, where you can catch up with your yoga classes.

Accommodation

There are many hotels, hostels, guest houses, and apartments in various convenient locations in Bristol. For budget accommodation, you have many options like-The Washington Guesthouse, Youth Hostel, Bristol Backpackers, The Clifton Hotel, and Clifton Short Lets. If you want mid-range accommodation, Arnos Manor Hotel, Premier Inn, The Berkeley Square, Brooks Guesthouse, or SACO Serviced Apartments would be the right pick. For those who wish Splurge, Berkeley Suites, Cadbury House, Marriott Royal, The Brigstow, and Hotel du Vin would be the right fit.

Green Hotels

Green hotels have a significant role to play towards environmental care. If you are looking for eco-friendly accommodation, you can opt to stay in green hotels. So, what to look for in a green hotel? A green hotel has an eco-friendly business model. Such hotels often use energy-efficient appliances, ecological cleaning essentials, water flow reducers, water dispensers in place of bottled water, thermal panels for water heating, and rainwater harvesting to provide sustainable accommodation. 60 to 80% of waste from such hotels are recycled instead of being dumped. Some good green hotels use local handicrafts, vintage items, and upcycled artifacts for room décor.

The Bristol Hotel: The Bristol Hotel is located on the quayside of the Floating Harbour. Surrounded by the Old City, the hotel reminds you of the city's maritime history and scenic beauty. It features a modernist façade and a unique contemporary design. It provides sustainable accommodation in an unmatchable waterfront location in the center of Bristol. In 2018, The Sunday Times listed it among the 100 best British hotels. Some important landmarks near the Bristol Hotel include Clifton Suspension Bridge and SS Great Britain.

Radisson Blu Bristol: The Radisson Blu Bristol is located in the heart of the city. If you want sustainable accommodation in a beautifully designed space along the Harbourside, this is the right fit for you. The Radisson Blu Bristol hotel has a fantastic collection of business class suits and fully furnished standard rooms. The hotel premises also include an on-site restaurant and a bar, looking out onto Broad Quay.

Mercure Bristol Holland House Hotel: Mercure Bristol Holland House Hotel is a 4-star hotel with a central location and luxurious interiors. It is within walking distance from the Bristol Temple Meads railway station, the Harbourside, and the business district. The hotel sits within proximity to all of the city's most exciting attractions, events, and the vibrant city that offers shopping, theatre, and the arts. It makes an ideal place for family-friendly accommodation with interconnecting bedrooms, family dining, a fitness suite, and an indoor heated swimming pool.

Hostels and Guest Houses

Hostels and guesthouses are ideal for group accommodation or budget accommodation. And if you are looking for comfortable yet less expensive housing, maybe you should try getting a room in one.

Youth Hostel: It provides comfortable accommodation in the Harbourside area of Bristol. You can book dorms and private rooms with a fully furnished kitchen. Plus, it also has a licensed bar with vibrant décor where you can drink and relax.

Full Moon Eco Hostel: Full Moon Eco Hostel provides inexpensive and comfortable accommodation. You can find this hostel near Debenhams department store and the bus station). Near the hostel are two of Bristol's biggest nightclubs where you can enjoy the city's nightlife.

Westbury Park House: This guesthouse features an elegant Victorian villa with traditional rooms for accommodation. Plus, you get breakfast, a garden, a fireplace, and a private bar. The Westbury Park House is at a walkable distance from the Downs and Bristol Zoo Gardens.

Apartments

Alternatively, you can book apartments of your choice for your stay in Bristol. Some suitable apartments are listed below.

Filwood Park: This apartment provides 2,3, and 4 bedroom accommodation just 3 miles from the city center. It is only 7 miles from Bristol Airport and at walking distance from M1 Metro bus stop. Plenty of local shops, restaurants, supermarkets and cinema halls are nearby.

Blackberry Park: Blackberry Park apartments are encompassed with soothing countryside views and plenty of open space. If you want accommodation in a perfect location, then this is the right fit for you. With a semi-rural setting and around 23 acres of open space, it provides 2, 3 & 4 bedroom accommodation in the village of Coalpit Heath in Bristol.

Park Farm: Park Farm, located near the Thornbury market town, provides 3 & 4 bedroom accommodation with sports pitches, parks, and an orchard. It is just a mile far from local eateries and shops.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is also a popular mode of accommodation among travelers. Living in an expensive hotel with fully furnished rooms and saunas is okay. But have you ever thought of living and dining with a local family? Many local families are ready to provide travelers accommodation in their homes for a price. Couchsurfing allows travelers to experience the city like a local. Though some locals might be reluctant to share their homes due to safety concerns, some families welcome tourists with an open heart.

Camping

Many travelers also prefer campsites for accommodation during their visit to a city because they get a comfortable place to relax and unwind yourself amidst beautiful hills, rugged terrains, glistening water, and lush green forests. Whether you want to set up your tent or reside in motorhomes and caravans, you can do it all in Bristol at some of its beautiful campsites in the lap of the green hills of Somerset, Gloucestershire, and the Mendips. Some of the popular campgrounds you can check out in Bristol are Camp Baboon at Wild Place and Brook Lodge Farm Camping.

How to Get There

There are many modes to reach Bristol. You can catch international and domestic flights, board a domestic or cross-country bus or train, or drive to the city of Bristol.

Air

You can fly to the city from around 125 destinations across the continent.

Bristol Airport is close to the southwestern part of the city center and connects these destinations to Bristol. KLM and Aer Lingus connect Bristol to Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, and Dublin. If you are looking for budget airline providers, you can also opt for Easyjet and RyanAir. A Flyer bus service links Bristol airport to the city center and is available 24 hours a day. A one-way ticket would cost you just £7. If you want a return ticket, you would have to pay £11 for individual access and £23 for a family return ticket. It is advisable to get these tickets online as the onboard tickets could cost you £1-2 more.

You could also opt for cheaper alternatives like Falcon service by Stagecoach to travel from the airport to the city center. You can also use Birmingham airport or one of the London airports and then travel to Bristol via train, car or bus. Some of the other convenient airports you can use are Heathrow Airport, Birmingham Airport, Gatwick Airport, Stansted Airport, and Cardiff Airport.

Inside the Bristol Airport

Bus

National Express offers services from many cities across the UK, including London to Marlborough St Coach station located in the city center. A typical bus journey from London to Bristol takes around 2h30min. An online booking system is available, and the tickets can be booked beforehand to avoid last moment hustle and price hikes. Another coach service in the budget is Megabus that operates from London and other chief UK destinations to Bond Street, Cabot Circus, Haymarket in Bristol. Ticket fares are demand responsive but can be availed for as low as £1.50 if booked in advance.

Bristol Airport

Train

Bristol Temple Meads station is more or less 15 minutes walk from the city center and is a hotspot of various inter-city and regional train services. This oldest operating train station connects Bristol to Edinburgh, Exeter, Bath, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Plymouth, Southampton, London, Swansea, and York. Another important railway station in the city is located in Bristol Parkway. If you are boarding from London, you can opt for London Paddington station. There are several direct trains from the city to Bristol. Apart from London, you can travel via train to Bristol from any convenient location in the UK. Just dial to check the train timings, jump inside a train from any area of your choice to reach Bristol.

Hitchhiking

You can hitchhike west from London to Bristol via M4 Motorway Junction 1, A4 leading to M4 or M3, or Motorway service station of Heston. You can also hitchhike southwards from Manchester to Bristol. Hitchhiking big cities can be tricky. The biggest problem is getting on the motorway. Once you arrive at the highway, try out strategic locations like petrol stations and service stations.

Others

By Car: You can use the M5, the M32, and the M4 motorways to reach the city. The motorway M4 connects London with Bristol and would take you just less than two hours to traverse between the two destinations via a car.

Moving Around

You can download the city map from the official tourism website of Bristol. A tourist map would give you a clear picture of the essential landmarks in the city like the city center, the Harbourside, and Clifton, Temple Meads railway station, hotels and hostels for accommodation, and other tourist destinations. Detailed maps for districts within the city (such as Fishponds and Lockleaze), cycle, bus, and a very detailed harbourside map are available from the City Council. An exact roadmap of the place you are visiting would help you move around the city without any hassle.

Walk

A lot of destinations in central Bristol are at a reasonable distance. There are many attractive routes along the quaysides that you can avail of for a pleasant, carefree stroll around the city. You can grab a detailed map of the city's districts and Harbourside from the City Council. Alternatively, you can also plan your walking tours without worrying about the walking directions with the walkit.com walking route planner's help.

Bicycle

There are a plethora of bike paths and routes that you can explore in Bristol. The city is at the center of the National Cycle Network. You can get free cycling maps and all the information regarding Bristol and other nearby locations from BetterByBike.info. You can also opt for YoBike, which is an app-based bike-sharing system available in the city. Bike rental for an hour could cost you £1 while a full day's hire would cost £5. Bristol is a cyclable city, and you get to choose from the city bike and mountain bikes. The latter would be a better fit for off-road rides in hilly terrains and in general. Bicycle theft is a common occurrence in Bristol. So make sure your rented bike is equipped with a decent D-lock or U-lock. Several bicycle rental services like Cycle The City Bristol Tandem Hire, Cycle Shack, and Jake's Bikes are available in the city.

Electronic Vehicles

Electric vehicles are cleaner than petrol or diesel vehicles. Getting an electric car on rent is easy as there are many car rental agencies in Bristol. There are a lot of charging stations in Bristol, the chief charging network being Revive. Alternatively, you can also use Zipcar, which provides car-sharing services. Zipcar looks after everything from fuel and parking charges to Congestion charges and insurance. Zipcars have hundreds of electric cars that are available for on-demand driving. You can use their map to locate Zipcars near you. Both one-way and round trip vehicles are available.

Alternatively, you can also rent electric bikes from providers like Bristol Bike Hire. You can choose between a 3.5-hour session for £20 and a 7-hour session for £35.

Public Bus

National Express offers services from many cities across the UK, including London to Marlborough St Coach station located in the city center. A typical bus journey from London to Bristol takes around 2h30min. An online booking system is available, and the tickets can be booked beforehand to avoid last moment hustle and price hikes. Another coach service in the budget is Megabus that operates from London and other chief UK destinations to Bond Street, Cabot Circus, Haymarket in Bristol. Ticket fares are demand responsive but can be availed for as low as £1.50 if booked in advance.

Tram, Train and Subway

You can board many local, regional, and cross-country trains from Bristol Temple Meads station, one terminus of the Severn Beach Line passing through Lawrence Hill and Stapleton. Bristol Parkway station is located in the north of the city center and offers high-speed Great Western Railway services to London Paddington, Swansea, and Cardiff Central. It also provides many CrossCountry trains to Birmingham and east of Northern England. The train service is usually very punctual and reliable.

Sustainable Shopping

Bristolians celebrate their city for its independent spirit. And when it comes to eco-conscience, the town has had a mindful approach to the green movement through its sustainable shopping centers. It was the first city in the UK to win the title of Green Capital. Not only this, Bristol is the UK's first cycling city and a Fairtrade city. Many big and small independent businesses across the city have been providing their customers with an ethical shopping experience by cutting down on plastic consumption. If you too want to do your bit and indulge in sustainable shopping in Bristol, do not buy from shops selling products in plastic packaging and unnecessary non-degradable trash in the name of fashion. Say no to shopping from places that do not follow the approach of recycling. Shop more from local vendors, peddlers, and artisans and help strengthen the local economy.

Food Markets

Bristol's food markets are packed with fresh farm produce, poultry & dairy products, seafood, packaged items, and street food. These are some of the food markets popular amongst the locals.

Bristol Harbourside Market: Bristol harbourside market is one of Bristol's most popular food markets set up by No.1 Harbourside. It is stretched across the undercover walkway on the waterfront.

Whiteladies Road Market: The Whiteladies Road Market hosts shops of local food and drink traders selling their seasonal produce. It is a weekly day-market with a lot of food and local music.

Temple Quay Market: It is listed among the top ten food markets in Europe and is the very best in street food. It is set up every second and fourth Thursday from 12–2 PM.

Finzels Reach Market: This market is located in the center of the city close to Bristol Bridge. It is one of the best street food markets selling local seasonal food from cheese, pastries, and croissants to fresh organic vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat.

Source Food Hall: Source's Food Hall sells the absolute best in local produce- the finest collection of artisan cheese, local fruits, vegetables, free-range meat, poultry, fresh fish from small, South West ports, and shellfishes from all over the UK.

Tobacco Factory Sunday Market: You can explore the Tobacco Factory Sunday market to shop for exceptional food and fresh produce from the local area like artisan bread and shellfish.

Zero Green : And here is a special mention to Bedminster's packaging-free store that invites customers to bring their container or cloth bag to fill up on cereals, nuts, spices, flours, and other vegan treats.

Bristol Farmers' Market: Bristol's Farmers Market provides you the opportunity to purchase local produce like cheese, meat, fish, fruit, and vegetables directly from the producers.

Flea Markets

There are plenty of flea markets in Bristol that you can scrounge. It is the best place to shop for vintage items and souvenirs at pocket-friendly prices.

Bristol Flea Market: The market has stalls selling antiques, vintage, retro, plants & garden accessories, and many unusual antique items. You can find this market on Lower Corn Street every Saturday. So, if you are up for shopping in Bristol, do not forget to check this out.

Tobacco Factory Market: This market harbors around 40 stalls of food and handicrafts straight from the local producers and artisans. If you want to indulge in local shopping in Bristol, pay a visit here.

St Nicholas Market: Bristol's St Nicholas Market has been a local heartbeat since 1743. Located in the old city's heart, many independent retailers, craftsmen and artisans sell vintage fashion accessories, handicrafts, antique gift items, and many more.

You can explore other popular flea markets are Easter Compton Car Boot Sale, The Harbourside Street Food Market, and Whitchurch Car Boot Sale.

Second Hand Stores

Bristol has numerous charity and vintage shops. Second-hand stores sell used or upcycled products at low prices. Shopping from a second-hand store would not only be easy on your pocket but also plays a significant role in limiting over-consumption and wastage. You can drop things you no longer need at charity stores and shop to your fill without worrying about too much expenditure. Gloucester Road is jam-packed with independent thrift stores that cannot be missed if you are in Bristol. Cheltenham Road is an excellent place for vintage lovers. It harbors Fabulous Vintage, Stokes Croft, Vintage Market, and Loot on the Bear Pit. If you are in Bristol, you cannot miss scavenging Cotham Hill's charity shops like Brandon Trust and Oxfam. You can also head to Clifton's Mary's Living and Giving. You can buy Vivienne Westwood shoes for just £30 and a McQueen skirt for as low as £35. Treasure Stokes Croft, St Peter's Hospice Shop, Shaw Trust - Charity shop, Sue Ryder, Barnardo's and Children's Hospice South West Shop are other popular thrift stores that you can checkout.

Eco-Fashion

Eco-fashion means ecological fashion. Eco-fashion brands follow a sustainable and eco-friendly business model, thereby restricting over-consumption. Have a look at some of the eco-fashion brands of Bristol.

That Thing: That Thing' features around 50 independent designers based in Bristol. The brand is renowned for selling affordable luxury streetwear, lifestyle products, vintage clothing, and accessories.

Stokes Croft China: Renowned for its street art and run by The People's Republic of Stokes Croft, the Stokes Croft China shop sells Fine Bone China, graffiti teapots, T-shirts, books, cards, original art, and prints.

Give Wear Love: Give Wear Love is a Bristol-based online fashion platform that has been vocalizing ethical and slow fashion since its launch in 2018 by curating sustainable fashion collections. Besides, Give Wear Love also raises funds for organizations and campaigns supporting sustainable fashion culture.

Recycling

Recycling is an integral element of sustainability. Recycling old items to make new products reduces trash in incinerators and landfills. Some of the recycling centers in Bristol are as follows.

Clearance LTD
Re-use & recycle store
Reuse Shop
Keynsham Recycling Centre
St Philips Household Waste Recycling Centre
Bristol Wood Recycling Project
Avonmouth Household Waste Recycling Centre
Recycle-Renew
Byteback
Bristol Salvage & Recycling
Portishead Recycling Centre
Viridor Energy Recycling Facility

Waste

There are strict rules and regulations on waste disposal in Bristol. Some of the large employers in Bristol include Orange telecom company, Hewlett-Packard/Compaq, Airbus, Rolls Royce, AXA, and media companies like BBC Bristol and Endemol. For everyday work, look out for opportunities in supermarkets, call centers, bars, and restaurants. There are many employment agencies in the city center. Bristol has excellent employment opportunities with a very high job ratio. Lots of students also come to study abroad in Bristol. Dispensing solid or liquid pollutants into Bristol Harbour is strictly prohibited. Always remember to dispose of your waste responsibly while you are traveling in Bristol.

Use the dustbins provided around the harbor for disposing of general waste and small items. Various bottle Banks and other waste segregation facilities are also available at the harbor.Elsan disposal points are also available near each shower facility in Bristol Harbour and Bathurst Basin. Use of toilets for Elsan disposal is not allowed. Dispose used batteries and oily bilge water at Underfall Yard. Electrical appliances, whether big or small, are to be disposed of at Household Waste Transfer Stations.

Many self-operated pump-out systems are present at the Prince Street Bridge, New Inlet, and Temple Back for sewage disposal. You can get the tokens for this purpose from the Harbour Office. Discharge the liquid waste into the waste holding tanks in conjunction with the solid waste. The pump system requires a proper ratio of liquid to solid waste for smooth and efficient operation. Never dispose of sanitary towels, panty liners, nappies, nappy liners, plastic, and rubber products into the tank.

Work and Study Abroad

Some of the large employers in Bristol include Orange telecom company, Hewlett-Packard/Compaq, Airbus, Rolls Royce, AXA, and media companies like BBC Bristol and Endemol. For everyday work, look out for opportunities in supermarkets, call centers, bars, and restaurants. There are many employment agencies in the city center. Bristol has excellent employment opportunities with a very high job ratio. Lots of students also come to study abroad in Bristol.

Exchange Student

Bristol holds a long-standing reputation as a study and research center. It attracts thousands of students from Britain and the rest of the world. Bristol is famous for its renowned universities, the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England. Both are leading centers of education that offer excellent research facilities. Bristol also houses a large number of language schools to facilitate students to study English or other languages.

The University of Bristol is considered one of the best universities in the UK. It is located in the city's heart and has a pivotal role in the city's rich heritage and history. Currently, over 15,700 students are enrolled at the University of Bristol. The university offers the local students many opportunities to experience its research-oriented teaching via activities mentoring and tutoring in local schools and other partnerships. Around 350 students from over 130 different countries study at the University of Bristol each year in the exchange programs.

The University of the West of England is a forward-thinking university that offers business and industry-oriented courses. Around 30,000 students from the UK and many others from around the world study at UWE Bristol. The University offers more than 600 times in partnership with major employers.

Au Pair

Are you an unmarried adult traveler intending to stay in Bristol for a long tenure? Then you can consider the option of working as an au pair for a local family. As an au pair, your job would be to tutor children, drop them to pick them up from school, and provide help with light household chores.

Volunteering

If you stay in Bristol for a long duration and have enough time on your hands, you can consider volunteering for various volunteer programs. In your leisure time, you can work for NGOs. You can indulge in engaging language exchange classes, organizing social awareness camps, and environmental campaigns. It would allow you to explore the culture of Bristol with a sense of service and accomplishment.